De Soto #73 School District
610 Vineland School Road De Soto, MO 63020
Learning goes beyond the classroom!
Students in Ms. Anderson’s 3rd Hour Family Living class are learning that strong relationships are built through thoughtful actions, meaningful connections, and showing others that we care.
As part of the lesson, students are putting those ideas into action by creating friendship keychains for a friend or someone special in their lives. After giving their keychains to their chosen person, students will reflect on the experience, including how their thoughtful gesture impacted both themselves and the recipient.
It’s a great hands-on way to connect classroom learning with important life skills like kindness, appreciation, reflection, and building positive relationships!
Students in Ms. Anderson’s 3rd Hour Family Living class are learning that strong relationships are built through thoughtful actions, meaningful connections, and showing others that we care.
As part of the lesson, students are putting those ideas into action by creating friendship keychains for a friend or someone special in their lives. After giving their keychains to their chosen person, students will reflect on the experience, including how their thoughtful gesture impacted both themselves and the recipient.
It’s a great hands-on way to connect classroom learning with important life skills like kindness, appreciation, reflection, and building positive relationships!
September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.
Know where to turn for help. Support is available when you or someone you care about needs it.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Local crisis systems may also offer resources such as mobile crisis response teams, stabilization services, and community-based support.
Knowing what resources are available before a crisis happens can make it easier to take the next step when help is needed. Building awareness and sharing resources can save lives.
Learn more about 988 and crisis care:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs
Know the resources. Share the information. Help connect others to support.
Know where to turn for help. Support is available when you or someone you care about needs it.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Local crisis systems may also offer resources such as mobile crisis response teams, stabilization services, and community-based support.
Knowing what resources are available before a crisis happens can make it easier to take the next step when help is needed. Building awareness and sharing resources can save lives.
Learn more about 988 and crisis care:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/faqs
Know the resources. Share the information. Help connect others to support.
Happy IT Professionals Day!
Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to the incredible IT professionals who keep our district connected, supported, and moving forward!
From maintaining devices and networks to troubleshooting technology and supporting our students and staff, our technology team works behind the scenes every day to make teaching and learning possible.
Thank you for your hard work, expertise, and dedication to De Soto #73! We appreciate everything you do to keep our Dragons connected!
Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to the incredible IT professionals who keep our district connected, supported, and moving forward!
From maintaining devices and networks to troubleshooting technology and supporting our students and staff, our technology team works behind the scenes every day to make teaching and learning possible.
Thank you for your hard work, expertise, and dedication to De Soto #73! We appreciate everything you do to keep our Dragons connected!
Dragon Middle School Cross Country had a great weekend!
Our Middle School runners turned in some impressive performances at the Stan Nelson Memorial Invitational on September 12!
Middle School Boys
Congratulations to Reid S. (6th grade), who placed 9th, and Owen V. (7th grade), who placed 11th out of 73 runners! Both earned medals for finishing in the Top 20.
As a team, the boys finished 4th out of 8 teams!
Middle School Girls
A big congratulations to Claire T. (8th grade), who took 1st place! Lilly S. (8th grade) finished 13th, and June P. (8th grade) finished 17th out of 46 runners. All three earned Top 20 medals!
As a team, the girls finished 3rd out of 4 teams!
Way to represent De Soto and keep pushing toward the finish line!
Our Middle School runners turned in some impressive performances at the Stan Nelson Memorial Invitational on September 12!
Middle School Boys
Congratulations to Reid S. (6th grade), who placed 9th, and Owen V. (7th grade), who placed 11th out of 73 runners! Both earned medals for finishing in the Top 20.
As a team, the boys finished 4th out of 8 teams!
Middle School Girls
A big congratulations to Claire T. (8th grade), who took 1st place! Lilly S. (8th grade) finished 13th, and June P. (8th grade) finished 17th out of 46 runners. All three earned Top 20 medals!
As a team, the girls finished 3rd out of 4 teams!
Way to represent De Soto and keep pushing toward the finish line!
Studying matters!
Students in Mrs. Drummond’s 5th grade science class are learning that preparation is an important part of success! From reviewing concepts to putting their knowledge to the test, these students are building strong study habits while strengthening their science skills.
Keep up the great work, 5th graders!
Students in Mrs. Drummond’s 5th grade science class are learning that preparation is an important part of success! From reviewing concepts to putting their knowledge to the test, these students are building strong study habits while strengthening their science skills.
Keep up the great work, 5th graders!
SEPTEMBER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
The De Soto #73 School District Board of Education will hold its September meeting on Thursday, September 17, at 6:00 PM.
De Soto Intermediate School Cafeteria
650 Vineland School Road
Board of Education meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there!
September 11: We Remember
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who answered tragedy with bravery, compassion, and unity.
As a school community, we reflect on the importance of remembrance, service, kindness, and coming together in support of one another.
We will never forget.
Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and everyday Americans who answered tragedy with bravery, compassion, and unity.
As a school community, we reflect on the importance of remembrance, service, kindness, and coming together in support of one another.
We will never forget.
Learning is in full swing at De Soto High School!
Students have been busy building new skills and putting their learning into action across the building!
In Señor Schiele’s Spanish class, students learned the days of the week and reinforced their new vocabulary with a fun days-of-the-week song and dance. What a great way to make learning memorable!
Meanwhile, Mrs. Greenlee’s math students have been hard at work strengthening their math skills, working through problems, and building their confidence along the way.
From Spanish vocabulary to mathematical problem-solving, our Dragons are engaged, learning, and growing every day!
Students have been busy building new skills and putting their learning into action across the building!
In Señor Schiele’s Spanish class, students learned the days of the week and reinforced their new vocabulary with a fun days-of-the-week song and dance. What a great way to make learning memorable!
Meanwhile, Mrs. Greenlee’s math students have been hard at work strengthening their math skills, working through problems, and building their confidence along the way.
From Spanish vocabulary to mathematical problem-solving, our Dragons are engaged, learning, and growing every day!
Character Education is on display at De Soto Middle School!
Our Middle School Character Education students put their vocabulary skills to work by decorating the front doors and areas throughout the school with character words and their definitions.
This creative activity gave students the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of important character traits while sharing those lessons with everyone who walks through our doors. A great example of learning that helps build both strong students and a strong school community!
Our Middle School Character Education students put their vocabulary skills to work by decorating the front doors and areas throughout the school with character words and their definitions.
This creative activity gave students the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of important character traits while sharing those lessons with everyone who walks through our doors. A great example of learning that helps build both strong students and a strong school community!
Last week, Ms. Anderson’s High School FACS classes took part in a hands-on lesson about cross-contamination and the importance of food safety. Students had the opportunity to see firsthand how easily cross-contamination can occur and why proper food-handling practices matter.
Lessons like this go beyond the classroom, giving students practical knowledge, building critical thinking skills, and helping them make informed decisions in everyday life. That’s learning with a purpose!
Lessons like this go beyond the classroom, giving students practical knowledge, building critical thinking skills, and helping them make informed decisions in everyday life. That’s learning with a purpose!
NOW HIRING: BUS DRIVERS!
Want to make a difference in the lives of our students while becoming an important part of the De Soto #73 team? We are currently hiring bus drivers and substitute bus drivers!
Our drivers play an important role in starting and ending each student’s school day with a safe and welcoming ride.
Interested in joining our Transportation Team? Contact April McKinney at mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us with questions or for more information.
Help us keep our Dragons moving!
Want to make a difference in the lives of our students while becoming an important part of the De Soto #73 team? We are currently hiring bus drivers and substitute bus drivers!
Our drivers play an important role in starting and ending each student’s school day with a safe and welcoming ride.
Interested in joining our Transportation Team? Contact April McKinney at mckinney.april@desoto.k12.mo.us with questions or for more information.
Help us keep our Dragons moving!
Exciting learning is happening at De Soto Primary!
Our students have been busy building skills, learning classroom expectations, and having fun along the way!
Last week, some of our second graders in Mrs. Ing’s class graduated from Camp Second Grade, where they learned and practiced the expectations that will help them have a successful year in second grade.
Students in Mrs. Hardin’s class put on their detective glasses and searched for words in sentences that should begin with capital letters.
In Mrs. Casey’s class, students strengthened their number sense by identifying missing numbers and completing number sequences.
From learning routines to becoming grammar detectives and number experts, our Dragons are building important skills every day. We love seeing learning come to life at De Soto Primary!
Our students have been busy building skills, learning classroom expectations, and having fun along the way!
Last week, some of our second graders in Mrs. Ing’s class graduated from Camp Second Grade, where they learned and practiced the expectations that will help them have a successful year in second grade.
Students in Mrs. Hardin’s class put on their detective glasses and searched for words in sentences that should begin with capital letters.
In Mrs. Casey’s class, students strengthened their number sense by identifying missing numbers and completing number sequences.
From learning routines to becoming grammar detectives and number experts, our Dragons are building important skills every day. We love seeing learning come to life at De Soto Primary!
September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.
Know the warning signs. Recognizing changes in yourself or someone you care about can be an important step toward getting help.
Warning signs may include:
• Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Increased anxiety, agitation, or distress
• Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye
Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when it may be time to reach out, check in, or connect someone with support.
Learn more about the warning signs of suicide:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Know the signs. Check in. Reach out.
Know the warning signs. Recognizing changes in yourself or someone you care about can be an important step toward getting help.
Warning signs may include:
• Changes in mood, sleep, or behavior
• Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Increased anxiety, agitation, or distress
• Giving away important possessions or saying goodbye
Knowing what to look for can help you recognize when it may be time to reach out, check in, or connect someone with support.
Learn more about the warning signs of suicide:
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/suicidal-behavior/warning-signs
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Know the signs. Check in. Reach out.
Happy Labor Day from the De Soto #73 School District!
Today, we recognize the dedication and contributions of workers throughout our schools and community. We hope our students, staff, families, and community members enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday!
Today, we recognize the dedication and contributions of workers throughout our schools and community. We hope our students, staff, families, and community members enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday!
The De Soto Middle School Cross Country season is underway!
Check out the 2026 schedule and make plans to support our Dragons throughout the season. Best of luck to all our runners—we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
Check out the 2026 schedule and make plans to support our Dragons throughout the season. Best of luck to all our runners—we’re cheering you on every step of the way!
September is Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month.
Start the conversation. Talking openly about suicide and mental health can help reduce stigma, encourage connection, and make it easier for someone to ask for help.
You don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. Listening, showing you care, and knowing how to start the conversation can be an important first step.
Learn more about how to talk with someone who may be struggling:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Start the conversation. Listen without judgment. Remind others they are not alone.
Start the conversation. Talking openly about suicide and mental health can help reduce stigma, encourage connection, and make it easier for someone to ask for help.
You don’t have to have all the answers to make a difference. Listening, showing you care, and knowing how to start the conversation can be an important first step.
Learn more about how to talk with someone who may be struggling:
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-support/helping-someone/how-to-talk-to-someone-about-help
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Start the conversation. Listen without judgment. Remind others they are not alone.
Our De Soto Middle School cheerleaders have been hard at work recently, putting in the time and effort to sharpen their skills, strengthen their teamwork, and prepare for an exciting season!
We are proud of their dedication, positive attitudes, and Dragon spirit. Keep up the great work, cheerleaders!
We are proud of their dedication, positive attitudes, and Dragon spirit. Keep up the great work, cheerleaders!
TRANSPORTATION TEAM SHOUTOUT!
As we wrap up our first week of school, we want to give a HUGE shoutout to our incredible De Soto #73 Transportation Department!
The first week of school is always busy as students learn new routines, drivers get familiar with new routes and stops, and everyone works together to make sure our Dragons get where they need to go safely.
Our transportation team has worked incredibly hard—putting in long hours, making adjustments, solving problems, and stepping up wherever needed to keep our students moving.
To our drivers, aides, mechanics, transportation staff, and everyone who jumped in to help—THANK YOU! Your patience, flexibility, dedication, and commitment to our students have not gone unnoticed.
We also want to thank our families for their patience and understanding as we worked through those first-week routines.
We appreciate our transportation team and everything they do to safely transport our Dragons each and every day!
As we wrap up our first week of school, we want to give a HUGE shoutout to our incredible De Soto #73 Transportation Department!
The first week of school is always busy as students learn new routines, drivers get familiar with new routes and stops, and everyone works together to make sure our Dragons get where they need to go safely.
Our transportation team has worked incredibly hard—putting in long hours, making adjustments, solving problems, and stepping up wherever needed to keep our students moving.
To our drivers, aides, mechanics, transportation staff, and everyone who jumped in to help—THANK YOU! Your patience, flexibility, dedication, and commitment to our students have not gone unnoticed.
We also want to thank our families for their patience and understanding as we worked through those first-week routines.
We appreciate our transportation team and everything they do to safely transport our Dragons each and every day!
Thank You, De Soto Farmers Market & Back to Play!
A huge THANK YOU to De Soto Farmers Market and Back to Play for their generous donation of school supplies to the De Soto #73 School District!
We are incredibly grateful for community partners who continue to step up and support our students and schools. These supplies will help ensure our students have the tools they need for a successful school year.
Thank you for investing in our students and making a difference in our Dragon community!
A huge THANK YOU to De Soto Farmers Market and Back to Play for their generous donation of school supplies to the De Soto #73 School District!
We are incredibly grateful for community partners who continue to step up and support our students and schools. These supplies will help ensure our students have the tools they need for a successful school year.
Thank you for investing in our students and making a difference in our Dragon community!
NO SCHOOL REMINDER
There will be no school on Friday, September 4, or Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 8!
Thank you for your partnership, and enjoy the long weekend!
There will be no school on Friday, September 4, or Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, September 8!
Thank you for your partnership, and enjoy the long weekend!
